'A Boy From Tupelo' FTD Tracklist Announced: FTD have finally announced the tracklisting for upcoming deluxe SUN book set.
"A Boy From Tupelo - Complete 53-55 Recordings" includes for the first time in one collection every known Elvis Presley SUN master and outtake, plus two private records Elvis paid for with his own money, as well as thrilling radio and concert performances from the period. This 3 CD package features 10 previously-unreleased cuts.
All audio has been re-mastered and restored as best we could, but Disc 3 has pretty rough audio.
FTD has noted that the 3 CD package features 10 previously-unreleased cuts. EIN had been informed unofficially that the following songs have been mastered for the project. 'Little Mama', 'Heartbreaker', 'Heart of Stone', 'Blue Moon of Kentucky', 'Shake, Rattle & Roll' plus the already announced by Ernst 'That’s All Right' from Meridian. The studio outtakes feature more of 'When It Rains, It Really Pours’, How Do You Think I Feel' (Sun rehearsal) as well as new versions of 'Harbor Lights'.
Surprisingly this is the first official RCA release of Elvis' original 'That's All Right' without the added RCA echo. For FULL Tracklisting & preview of 'A Boy From Tupelo' go here.

Elvis dealers are asking for final orders for the new deluxe book - FTD are finalising numbers with their distributors. Order now if you don’t want to miss out on this long-awaited Ernst Jorgensen SUN project. (News, Source;FTD/FECC/GoodTimeCharlie)

New LIVE "Original Album Classics" set: Sony Legacy Music have just announced the release of another "Original Album Classics" box-set.

This time the theme is Elvis LIVE. The five albums featured are 'Elvis' Comeback Special', 'That's The Way It Is', 'On Stage', 'Aloha from Hawaii' and 1974's 'As Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis'. As usual the CDs come a small box-set, in cardboard sleeves and at a budget price.

Selling for £13.30 - around US$20 with a mid-September release date.

(News, Source;GaryHibbs/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Latest Billboard Album Charts & Sales: The The following appeared on the Billboard Catalog Album Charts (w/e 4th August,
2012):

'Elvis: The Very Best Of Love' selling some 1472 units. Total sales to date: 283,785 units.'Heart And Soul' selling some 1333 units. Total sales to date: 571,742 units.'An Afternoon In The Garden' selling some 1223 units. Total sales to date: 479,530 units.'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1122 units. Total sales to date: 121023 units.

Harbinson is the man behind one of the biggest selling Elvis biographies of the 1970s: Elvis Presley An Illustrated Biography, which reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

After a hiatus from things Elvis and occupying himself with a myriad of books on other subjects, Harbinson has returned to the Elvis world in 2012 with a very different type of book release.

In Iconic Voices, the author, writing in the first person, inhabits the spirit of not only Elvis, but several other notable celebrities: Marlon Brando, Norman Mailer, John Lennon and Andy Warhol (with an interlinking chapter devoted to each icon).

Read EIN's detailed review of what is a darkly fun, fictionalised biography based on fact, which highlights a period of great social change and the cult of celebrity.

“There will be trees planted on the streets, wide sidewalks, green shrubbery, shared bike lanes, to make this a world-class street deserving of a world class community, a world-class entertainer and world-class businesses around there,” said Memphis City Councilman, Harold Collins.

Right now, the street is cluttered with telephone wires and vacant lots and buildings.

The city, with help from the state, is pouring $43 million into the redevelopment project.

More than 600,000 people visit Graceland every year, bringing $170 million in tourism to the city.

Thursday, Councilman Collins said construction should begin in November. He calls Whitehaven a stable, middle-class community, deserving a new look. He hoped residents would come get a glimpse at Thursday night’s final public meeting.

“We’re going to have a new vision for our street, a new vision for our community and to allow residents and businesses to see what it will look like and then also get their buy in,” said Collins. (News, Source: wreg.com)

Elvis features in 4D technology film: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and The Juice Brand Limited are excited to announce an animated film created to take advantage of the latest in 4-D technology.

The film, "Elvis Rocks," which debuted with much fanfare at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in Hong Kong in June, features iconic tracks from the King of Rock ‘n Roll and an Elvis-filled story of teenage sweethearts. This lively animated film follows the main character, Aaron, on a madcap journey from Memphis across the desert to Las Vegas in a bid to win back his true love and bride to be.

A hit with movie and attraction fans around the world, 4-D films combine a 3-D film with physical effects in the theatre, which occur in synchronization with the film. Some of the effects simulated in 4D films include air jets, scents, rain, wind, bubbles, strobe lights, and vibrations.

Elvis fans in Memphis for Elvis Week 2012 will get a sneak peek of the actual film, without the 4-D elements, on Tuesday, August 14th at 10:30 p.m. in the Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion.

Pauline Quayle, Director for The Juice Brand Limited, commented, “We have been pleased to work with such a famous and legendary icon as Elvis Presley and to have the full support of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. to create a film that truly offers such wide appeal.

Uniting generations and enabling them to enjoy a common link through the film has been a goal from the beginning. We are truly grateful to EPE, Inc. and Sony Music for allowing us to have the artistic flair to achieve the ultimate attraction experience.”

To learn more about "Elvis Rocks" and other 4-D animated films, visit www.thejuice.com. (News, Source: EPE)

Olympics contoversy - Stella McCartney: Don't blame me for garish white and gold 'Elvis' outfits at Olympics Opening Ceremony: Stella McCartney has distanced herself from the garish white and gold tracksuits worn by Team GB at the Olympic Opening Ceremony after the outfits received heavy criticism.

Many mistakenly directed their anger at the top designer over the outfit, which some claimed made the British squad look like ‘a team of Elvis impersonators’.

Miss McCartney, who designed Team GB’s performance kit, was forced to deny she was behind the tracksuits, which were made by the clothing chain Next.

The company yesterday defended the clothing – similar to the ‘shell suit’ jackets made famous by comedian Harry Enfield impersonating Liverpudlians – claiming the design projected ‘sport, strength and youthfulness’. Next said the colours had been selected to make Team GB ‘stand out’.

On Friday night, the British team, led by flag-bearer Sir Chris Hoy, paraded around the Olympic stadium in white jackets with gold collars, armpits and lining, coupled with white knee-length shorts. The design contrasted with those of many of the other countries, who opted either for their nation’s traditional dress or more formal outfits. The tracksuits triggered a storm on Twitter.

Craig Fraser tweeted: ‘Stella McCartney should be sent to the Tower of London to have her eyes pecked out by ravens for those gold leaf GB trackies.’

To say “design” is a stretch . . . it’s a coup against English poise.’

Neil Mann stated: ‘Here come Team GB led by Sir Chris Hoy, all wearing the kind of outfit Ali G would sport.’

Miss McCartney’s team was swift to issue a denial, with a tweet on her official page reading: ‘Thanks for the support! To clarify, Stella designed the Team GB performance kit, podium suit & villagewear, not the Olympic ceremony suits.’ (News, Source: DailyMail.co.uk)

Note: An insider has informed EIN that the person behind the Team GB "Elvis" tracksuits is in fact our own Piers Beagley, who, not conincidentally, is currently in London working behind the scenes on the Olympics!

Roberts Stadium, Evansville, Indiana: Elvis has left the building - everthing else will follow on Saturday: It's pretty quiet within the walls of Roberts Stadium these days. The cheering there stopped long ago. It's something of a strange place to come to work for 32-year-old Andrew Wilson of William Wilson Auction & Realty, Inc., the Evansville firm charged with liquidating the historic venue's assets.

"It's pretty humbling, especially when you're the first one in the building in the morning," Wilson says. "I wouldn't call it 'creepy,' but it's definitely quiet."

Andrew Wilson and his brother Aaron Wilson from Wilson Auction Realty, Inc., point out some of the items in Roberts Stadium on Wednesday morning that will soon be up for auction. All contents, fixtures and equipment of Roberts Stadium will be auctioned on site on Saturday. Those interested in previewing items to be sold will get a chance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. The auction will be begin at 10 a.m. at the stadium, located at 2600 Division St. in Evansville.

For several weeks now, Wilson, along with his 28-year-old brother Aaron, has made daily trips into Roberts, where the air-conditioning is off. They've dutifully spent their time organizing and cataloging assets — some big, some small — in preparation for Saturday's auction.

The event, which will commence at 10 a.m., will be preceded by two public preview sessions — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

Eventual demolition notwithstanding, Saturday's auction will, once and for all, bring down the curtain on a building that's been a part of the Evansville landscape since 1956.

It's a place that's hosted presidents and presidential candidates, witnessed storied moments in small-college basketball history, and on two occasions (1972 and 1976), was even fit for a king. Indeed, none other than Elvis Presley filled the fabled hall, as did subsequent performers such as Garth Brooks and Elton John.

So who, exactly, might want to purchase a single lot of 5,600 stadium seats? Or, for that matter, who would happen to be in the market for a 6,000-pound scoreboard?

The answer, in short, is an industrial buyer — a highly specialized buyer who has a very specific and unique knowledge of the market for things like, well, a lot of 5,600 stadium seats or a 6,000-pound scoreboard.

"They're professional buyers," Wilson explains. "They have professional resources, and because of that they can buy these assets and know the market well enough to have a plan for what they can pay for it, what it will cost to move it, and then know who the potential buyers are."

With that in mind, many of the stadium's largest assets — the Bryan flexible tube boilers or the Trane Centravac centrifugal chiller and Marley cooling tower, to name two examples — likely won't be snatched up by individuals. (News, Source: CourierPress.com)

EIN Note: Elvis appeared at Roberts Stadium on 13 June 1972 and 24 October 1976. The latter appearance created controversy as the following news report indicates.

Official denies reports saying Elvis-ticket sales mishandled: Reports that tickets sales for the Elvis Presley concert at Roberts Stadium Oct. 24 may have been mishandled were denied today by A.J. Stofleth, stadium manager.

Mrs. Frances Smith of 3503 Kathleen said today that she was the first person in line when the windows opened at 8 a.m. Saturday.

"When we got to the window, they told us that the first 11 rows were already gone and that the best seats we could have were in the 12th row," she said.

Mrs. Smith said she started waiting outside the stadium at 3 p.m. Friday and was in line 17 hours before the windows opened. She said the clerk at the window offered no explanation for why she couldn't buy eight tickets at her choice.

"There were no tickets sold or reserved before we started selling them at the windows," Stofleth said today. He added that "those people could have had from row seats on the side if they had wanted them. I'll give you $100 for every seat we sold before the windows opened."

Mrs. Smith wound up taking seats in the 12th row.

Opposite: Elvis "live" at the Roberts Stadium on 13 June 1972

Several persons telephoned the Evansville Press over the weekend complaining that they were not able to buy choice seats for the show even though they were near the front of the line. Stofleth also said he had received a number of similar calls from angry fans. Those who did camp out at the stadium left a mess behind that stadium employees had to clean up yesterday.

"It was ridiculous," Stofleth said "They left a lot of trash and paper around." He said nearly 11,000 tickets have been sold for the show and windows will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sell remaining tickets. The only seats that remain are roll-out bleachers for $10.25.

The largest block of seats sold were to an Elvis Presley fan club from Canada which bought 250 tickets, Stofleth said.

The concert has generated great interest throughout the Midwest with groups from as far away as Chicago and St. Louis planning to attend. (News, Source: James Szymanski, The Evansville Press, 27 Sep 1976)

Now available from Amazon:

Friday 27 July 2012

'Prince From Another Planet' More Details: A glimpse at the new Madison Square Garden 40th Anniversary release. Looking at a career that had more artistic and commercial triumphs than most in the 20th century, one could be forgiven for thinking that Elvis’ run of four shows at Madison Square Garden on June 9-11, 1972 was just another one of these big events. But for Elvis, it wasn’t. Back in February, in his Las Vegas hotel suite, he took his friend, singer Tom Jones to one side, and shared his concerns. Elvis’ main anxiety stemmed from his legendary appearance on The Milton Berle Show on June 6, 1956 that was deemed ‘scandalous’ by most of the media who voiced outrage over his vulgar gyrating performances.

The New York media was definitely in the forefront of these attacks.
However, Any reticence Elvis had would soon be ruled out as he became the first artist ever to sell-out four shows at the 20,000-seat arena. Elvis had never played in NYC before, except for television appearances on the Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show, The Steve Allen Show and Ed Sullivan’s Toast Of The Town. The stars of the day flocked to see him. George Harrison meets Elvis backstage; John Lennon and Paul Simon are rumored to be there, a young Bruce Springsteen, Art Garfunkel and David Bowie are all in attendance. But for the sold-out Garden, there is only one star that matters. Most fans have been waiting a lifetime to see their Elvis, and, as he enters from stage right, he is greeted with an explosive roar that has been held in check from 1956 until his New York debut.On June 9, A press conference was held at the New York Hilton at 4 p.m. In eager anticipation, photographers, TV crews and newspaper men filled the room. Dressed in a stunning blue outfit and gold belt, Elvis entered the room flanked by his father Vernon and manager Colonel Tom Parker. He opened by stating: "I plead innocent of all charges," setting a humorous and disarming tone during the 20-minute encounter. With boyish charm, he made fun of his past, saying how tame he was compared to present-day performers. With sincerity, he avoided questions of a

controversial or political nature by stating: "I’m just an entertainer." The press and critics were ecstatic: LIKE A PRINCE FROM ANOTHER PLANET screamed the The New York Times headline, complete with rave reviews, following Elvis’ four sold-out shows. Elvis had FINALLY made it to New York, he conquered NYC and proved beyond doubt that he was truly THE KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!Go here to EIN's recent Spotlight on Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago (News, Source:EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

‘WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES’ Book Out NEXT WEEK: Out on August 1st is the remarkable new book “ELVIS: WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES”, subtitled “Arjan Deelen talks to the musicians, singers, songwriters and
producers who helped create the ‘Presley Sound’”. It’s an essential book that
for once focuses on the music and the music-making process in Elvis’ career.

‘Arjan Deelen's insightful interviews shed compelling new light on the legacy of
Elvis Presley. His innate love of his subject and well-spring of knowledge
informs his work, ultimately producing a series of captivating, candid and
revelatory interviews that offer heretofore new perspective on the artistry of "the King"’ ‘, said Ken Sharp, author of "Writing For The King” and "Vegas: '69".

Some of these interviews were used in the aforementioned book, as well as some of the world’s leading Elvis magazines, like “Elvis – The Man And His Music”, “Flaming Star” and “ElvisMatters”, and you can now read them in their unedited form in this fascinating publication. Several of the interviews in the book, like for instance the ones with Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Michael Jarrett, are widely regarded as the best and most revealing interviews ever with these gentlemen. There’s also a strong sense of honesty about the book, because these interviews are presented precisely as they were conducted – so no editing or other manipulation afterwards. ‘Straight from the horses’ mouth’, so to speak. “ELVIS: WALK A MILE IN MY MUSIC” is a must for those who really want to know more about Elvis and the music he created.

The book is also a feast for the eye, with almost 300 rare and unpublished photos of Elvis, in some cases sourced from the original negatives and dias. These photos cover the whole spectrum of Elvis’ career, from 1954 to 1977. The foreword was written by Duke Bardwell, Elvis’ mid-70s bassplayer. Handsomely designed, this is a book that delivers on all levels. A free promotional CD containing various Elvis rarities, including the newly discovered live version of ‘I Forgot To Remember To Forget’ as well as a rare 1956 radio promo, is also included. Order your copy of “ELVIS: WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES” now (hardback, 160 pages, color throughout) email elvisforeveryone@zonnet.nl(News, Source; EFE/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Download the Elvis Week 2012 Event Guide: Whether you can make it to Memphis for Elvis Week or not, you can still check out the 2012 Elvis Week Event Guide featuring upcoming Elvis events, products, news and more! "ELVIS: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" - In 1955, Elvis was alive, alive as a young man, a singer from the south singing his way out of poverty, full of ambition and the momentum to take on the world. His story is well-known, well-documented and wellweaved into the fabric of American folklore. Thirty-five years after his passing, there is still only one - and people still seek out this man.Elvis Aaron Presley keeps you coming back; for a performance that has gone beyond his lifetime and bears a repeated encore for more. On the 35th anniversary of his death, Elvis is still here with us now more than ever. His influence still continues to be felt along with the legacy he left behind through his music, movies, photographs and larger-than-life legend. The Elvis of today is many, many things beamed out into the virtual landscape; accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Just as teenagers once dropped a needle on their new Elvis LPs, new fans discover his music everyday. They hear that one-of-a-kind sound coming out of their digital music players, view his image up on their modern-day silver screens and see him swivel, shake, bop and croon up on digital stages. There is no need for a comeback - he’s been here all along. Elvis is alive... alive as his voice booms out of a satellite radio station, alive when someone new hears his songs and sings along, alive every time a young singer emulates him and thinks "I want what Elvis had." Elvis is alive when his songs are part of a personal music mix created for someone special, alive every time someone sees him move for the first time and dances their way across their bedroom. Elvis is alive when a person makes their first pilgrimage to Graceland.... Download the Elvis Week brochure for the full article.. CLICK HERE. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

More Great Images from first-ever 'Elvis On Tour' e-book: Fans can now carry the king with them wherever they go with the first ever Elvis Presley Enterprises produced e-book covering the monumental 1972 concert tour that resulted in the Golden Globe award winning film, “Elvis on Tour.”

The “Elvis on Tour” e-book is available for most digital e-reader devices and can be downloaded at Amazon.com for only $4.99.

Utilizing the resources of the Graceland Archives, readers will get backstage access to the 15-city, 15-day tour with rare photos of Elvis on stage, press clippings and reviews of the concert tour, and an up-close look at artifacts from both the actual tour and the awarding winning “Elvis on Tour” documentary film.
Fans will also get an in-depth look at the tour schedule, song lists from each concert and the jumpsuits Elvis wore on stage. Lots of GREAT jump-suit photos - some shown below.

Take Elvis on the go and download the new "Elvis on Tour" e-book today! (News, Source: ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Autumn Gold' new import CD: Audionics will release new 2-CD set in early August: "AUTUMN GOLD." It will include the complete South Bend, Indiana show from October 1st, 1974 and a generous chunk of the famous August 16, 1974 RCA Hollywood rehearsal in a totally different sound - binaural stereo, as it was originally recorded. The South Bend date was originally issued in 2003 by FTD (see EIN FTD review here), but "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and some stage dialogue were omitted, and the closing vamp was clipped.
Though Elvis’ personal problems were affecting some of his shows around this time, he seemed to be in fine fettle in South Bend. Overall, this show presents a solid and pleasing performance by Elvis, and though it has been released before, we can now enjoy a more complete and -- most importantly - sonically superior recording of this concert!
The August 16, 1974 rehearsal surfaced on bootleg compact disc in 1995, then officially fourteen years later on Follow That Dream (rehearsal FTD view here). For the first time, Audionics presents these songs as originally recorded, in binaural stereo; and the sound is better than ever before. Unfortunately, the entire tape is unavailable, but all the essential performances are here. It is a real pleasure to listen

tracks like "Softly As I Leave You" and "Twelfth Of Never" in binaural form.
'Autumn Gold' is presented in a great-looking 2-disc digipak with a 20-page booklet filled with photographs taken that night in South Bend and at additional live shows and candids from March, August and October 1974.
All these recordings have been carefully engineered to be presented in the best possible sound. Go here to EIN's 'All the Elvis CD News 2012' for FULL tracklisting.(News, Source;Audionics)

Kylie Minogue locks lips with Riley Keough: Australian supers Kylie Minogue heats up the screen with Riley Keough Elvis Presley's granddaughter in the new film 'Jack and Diane'.
In the new trailer a heavily inked-up Kylie smooches Riley Keough, in what looks like an intimate, girl-on-girl lip-locker.
The film, presumably a riff on the eponymous John Mellencamp song, is about two girls who fall in love in New York City but then must cope with a distance relationship and... werewolves.
The movie seems to employ Minogue as a tempting, older seductress.
The Australian singer has been busy in 2012, a year which marks her 25th anniversary on the global stage.
While she remained off the world charts for well over a decade, the triple-threat returned to the top of the US Billboard with her 2001 hit, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Thursday 26 July 2012

Download first ever Elvis On Tour e-book: Fans can now carry the king with them wherever they go with the first ever Elvis Presley Enterprises produced e-book covering the monumental 1972 concert tour that resulted in the Golden Globe award winning film, “Elvis on Tour.”

The “Elvis on Tour” e-book is available for most digital e-reader devices and can be downloaded at Amazon.com for $4.99.

Utilizing the resources of the Graceland Archives, readers will get backstage access to the 15-city, 15-day tour with rare photos of Elvis on stage, press clippings and reviews of the concert tour, and an up-close look at artifacts from both the actual tour and the awarding winning “Elvis on Tour” documentary film.

Fans will also get an in-depth look at the tour schedule, song lists from each concert and the jumpsuits Elvis wore on stage.

“You can see from city to city how Elvis selected different jumpsuits to wear on stage and you can see how the mood changes slightly from town to town in the songs that were performed during each concert,” said Angie Marchese, Director of the Graceland Archives

Lisa Marie to make special guest appearance during Elvis Week: We are excited to announce Lisa Marie Presley will make a special appearance at “Conversations on Elvis: Behind the Stage” on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Lisa has been busy touring for her new album "Storm and Grace"which has received rave reviews from music critics and garnered world-wide attention.

Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), other guests will share what went on behind the scenes of Elvis' touring productions.

Guests include Sam Thompson, Elvis' friend who worked as a personal bodyguard for him at home and on tour; Dick Grob, who served as chief of security for Elvis; Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970s; Loanne Parker, who was hired in 1971 by RCA Records Tours as the tour secretary for Elvis and held that position throughout his touring years - she was also Colonel Parker's companion and confidant for over 25 years and they married in 1990; and Tom Moffatt, a celebrated Hawaiian DJ who brought Elvis to Hawaii and worked with him through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

Lisa Marie will also make a special appearance during the 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum.
For more information on special guest appearances and all of the events taking place in Memphis during Elvis Week 2012, visit www.ElvisWeek.com. (News, Source: EPE)

But what appeared to be a collector's dream had a problem — the buyer had tests run by a lab and discovered a material in the paint on the trophy ball hadn't been used until after World War II.

Mastro Auctions refunded the buyer's money, but its woes didn't end there, authorities allege. The auction house resold the ball to another buyer for about $62,000 without disclosing the results of the paint test, according to a 16-count indictment unsealed Wednesday in federal court in Chicago.

Prosecutors charged that executives of Mastro Auctions, which billed itself as the "world's leading sports and Americana auction house," even misrepresented the authenticity of a lock of hair they claimed was from the late Elvis Presley (pictured above).

The firm's onetime owner, William Mastro, and two former top executives, Doug Allen and Mark Theotikos, were charged in what prosecutors described as a fraud scheme that went on for more than eight years. The indictment was unsealed after a fourth executive, William Boehm, was arrested in Missouri on a charge he lied to the FBI.

Attorney Michael Monico, who represents Mastro, 59, of Palos Park, said his client will plead guilty to one count of mail fraud.

"He was a pioneer in the sports memorabilia industry," Monico said of Mastro, who owned the business until 2004 and continued as its chairman and chief executive officer until February 2009.

"He does and will accept responsibility for the conduct that has led to this case."

Attorneys for Allen, 49, of Crete, and Theotikos, 51, of Addison, said their clients intend to fight the charges. Allen, who was president and chief operating officer, was charged with 14 counts of mail and wire fraud, while Theotikos, who was most recently vice president of acquisitions, faces six counts of mail and wire fraud.

"Doug Allen is a husband, a father and a substantial member of the business community," said his attorney Michael J. Petro. "Doug and I would like to remind everyone these are just allegations and that we intend to fight them to the fullest."

It wasn't immediately known who represents Boehm, 63, of Ballwin, Mo., who was director of information technology.

The auction house operated at times from offices in Oak Brook, Willowbrook and Burr Ridge. It also sold collectibles including coins and art.

In one catalog listing, Mastro's boasted of "offering the largest quantity of Elvis (Presley) hair ever to be sold publicly."

The buyers paid $115,000, according to the catalog, but prosecutors said the buyers had DNA tests done on the hair that raised questions about its authenticity. The business refunded the money in 2004. But according to the indictment, Allen sold portions of the hair four separate times without disclosing the results of the DNA testing. (News, Source: Erin Meyer, Chicago Tribune)

New Celluloid Rock releases: Many fans will remember theCellulod Rock box sets. Well, there are three new albums in the series:

(New Kindle book release) Long Live The King by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy, Champagne Books: Every woman makes a few mistakes along the way but few get a chance to change their fate, let alone that of a rock and roll legend.

In Long Live The King, a time travel fantasy romance, Lacie Logan does just that. When Lacie, a professional escort who grew up listening to Elvis Presley tunes and to her Gran-Nanna's memories of the King, finds herself in a 1956 coffee shop with Elvis Presley, she thinks it must be a dream but it isn't. As love begins to grow between Lacie - who is really just Linda Mae Logan from Greenville, Mississippi - and Elvis, the heat rises but so do the complications.

In the end, however, love prevails and Lacie manages to give the ultimate gift of love by changing Elvis' fate for the better.

(News, Source: Email)

Excerpt:

Las Vegas 1956 She did not remember the place but it must have been here before, with its red vinyl booths, Formica-topped counter with eight stools, and waitresses with bouffant hair backcombed high. They wore pale green nylon uniform dresses with white aprons tied around their waist into a bow. Each had a small white crown-style hat perched on her head. This place looked authentic, she thought, dripping just inside the door. Vegas did retro well.

Because of the heavy rain, the place was all but empty. Two lone men sat at opposite ends of the counter. One stirred coffee in a thick white china cup on a saucer decorated with a dark green ring. The other picked at a piece of pie.

Behind her, the door opened with a rush and rain sprayed in, enough to make her jump forward. She tottered on her heels and almost fell over.

“Oh!” she cried just as a pair of strong hands caught her and put her upright.

“I am sorry, ma’am.” The voice sounded familiar, a deep voice touched with the richness of the South, dark and sweet as chocolate. “Are you all right?”

She was soaked, had only a few dollars in her purse, and was miles from the cheap motel she called home, but she tried to smile. “Oh, I’m o-”

Lacie’s voice stuck in her throat like a bite of peanut butter sandwich as she turned, because the hands staying her fall belonged to Elvis Presley. A young Elvis. She looked into his familiar face, stared into his blue eyes, and gazed up at his combed-back light brown hair. There was no doubt--it was Elvis Presley.

Her body shook; she could not control it and she trembled, chills taking over. He was young, the King, alive. In person, he was far more handsome than any photograph or album shot portrayed. Those full lips looked as ripe and sweet as plump strawberries and his face, almost but not quite heart shaped, combined a sensual wickedness with an innocence that summoned up the familiar look of a boy from back home. He was taller than she was, by a fair bit, and dressed in simple jeans, a jacket, and a button-down cloth shirt. However, this could not be real; it was impossible. Elvis got old, grew fat, and died too young more than thirty years ago. Maybe she hit her head out in the nasty weather or maybe this was a dream. Gosh, she thought, with growing horror, what if she had died, been hit by a car or struck by lightning. Something was askew, somewhere, because what she saw had to be fantasy.

“Hey, now, take it easy,” Elvis said, putting one arm around her waist. “Everything is all right. Come on, sit down, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”

Billy Joel - Elvis Presley Blvd: We recently found this interesting discussion on the site, A Year of Billy Joel: Non album track first released as a B-side to the Allentown single: In the liner notes to the R.E.M. B-sides collection Dead Letter Office guitarist Peter Buck described 7 inch singles as “essentially a piece of crap, usually purchased by teenagers.” By the time I purchased that collection in 1988 the 45 RPM single has become a rarity in the pop music world so it felt like Buck was waxing nostalgic about a long ago era.

In reality that era had only just passed, I not only remembered it, I owned 45’s but I thought they were terribly old fashioned compared to cassingles. Later in the same paragraph Buck added: “This is why musicians feel free to put just about anything on the B-side; nobody will listen to it anyway, so why not have some fun. You can clear the closet of failed experiments, badly written songs, drunken jokes, and occasionally, a worthwhile song that doesn’t fit the feel of an album.” and suddenly I was intrigued. I liked the R.E.M. B-sides what about other artist’s B-sides? Thus began a minor obsession with B-sides that continued through my teens and still occasionally pops up today.

When I began this project I intended to rekindle my love of B-sides by digging into Billy Joel’s only to discover, to my great disappointment, that there weren’t many of them. Most of the time he used an album cut as the B-side. While this meant his B-sides were of a certain high quality, it robbed me of the pleasure of the weird experiments.

So, I was excited to discover that there was a non album B-side to “Allentown” called “Elvis Presley Blvd.” but in my haste to cover all of the songs on The Nylon Curtain, I neglected to write about it, even thought it was recorded during the same sessions. Thankfully a reader reminded me I had missed it so now it’s time to figure out what kind of B-side is this song: An experiment? A joke? Or something good that just doesn’t fit an album?

Obviously it’s about Elvis Presley, or more to the point, it’s about Billy Joel’s unhappiness about the commercialization of the King of Rock and Roll’s death and the sense that with Elvis gone Billy Joel’s youth was also gone forever. This is an understandable reaction both to the passing of an icon and to the grotesque industry of Elvis Presley that sprung up seemingly the moment his body was found. While musically it sounds like a step down from the other songs on The Nylon Curtain it fits thematically with it’s A side hit Allentown in the sense that they both describe different ways that modern world can rob us of our humanity be it a collapsing industry town left to fend for itself or one mans life reduced to souvenirs. At least the citizens of Allentown and Bethlehem had a chance to rebuild.

Sorry, I got on a little Elvis rant there. I like Elvis Presley but I don’t care for the business of Elvis. I think Elvis Presley Blvd is an okay song but I have no problems with it being relegated to the B-side of a much better song.

Larry Geller to host unusual Elvis movie: Larry Geller is planning to do a very special movie on Elvis. Here's what he just wrote us:

"As many of you know, I’m going to Memphis for another big Elvis Week in August. I thought about the many times I travelled between Memphis and Los Angeles on old Route 66 with Elvis over the years.

So many memories – so many experiences shared. I told my son Kiara that I would love to take that journey one more time, and he mentioned it to some filmmaker friends of his. They came up with the idea to come along with me and make a film of the trip, stopping at places that were meaningful to Elvis and me.

I must say, I loved it! Route 66 is part of America’s history, and our travels along that road are part of Elvis’ history." A release date is not set yet. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Matters)

The Graceland 1976 Masters Elvis Presley Audiophile Edition: Over the years, terms like ’digitally remastered’ and ’improved sound’ have become virtually meaningless, due to their overuse by the records labels, whose product more often than not does not really deliver in the audio department. Enter Retro Audio, a sound expert who has developed a remarkable new technique for improving the audio on vintage recordings.

Retro Audio is not some guy fiddling around on a computer, he is the real deal, and some of his masterings currently in circulation in the Elvis world are creating quite a furore. Fans have expressed great surprise at what they are hearing, and have wondered how it is possible that Retro Audio was able to improve on even the best sources so far in such a significant way.

Hearing his audio work is like suddenly seeing a b&w photo in color; there is much more dept in the recording, more definition, Elvis’ voice reveals more details… the results are nothing less than startling.

Retro Audio has now turned his attention to Elvis’ most misunderstood work, the Graceland sessions from 1976, and this is arguably his finest audio work so far. Get ready to hear these recordings in a whole new light, as this remarkable procedure has breathed new life into these masters. Hear Elvis’ voice as you have never heard him before, it’s like you can almost reach out and touch him. Get surprised by details you never heard before. If you buy only one Elvis CD this summer, then make sure that it’s this one, because this audiophile release WILL surprise you. Presented in a deluxe 2-wing digipack with relevant photos and session details, this is one release that you simply MUST hear!

Jim Hannaford has died: Paul Lichter has advised of the passing of Jim Hannaford. After a short illness Jim passed away on Friday evening surrounded by his friends and family.

Expressions of sympathy are welcomed by Jim's family and can be sent to:

Marshall Funeral Home, 230 Flynn, PO Box 804, ALVA, OK 73717

Condolences can also be left with the funeral home by phoning 1-800-656-2311.

Jim's funeral will take place on Tuesday July 24.

Jim was known as one of the 'good guys' in the Elvis world and was very friendly with fans. Jim had an extensive Elvis photo archives and was the author of several books including the three volume set, Elvis "Golden Ride on the Mystery Train" and collaborated with Ger Rijff on the release, Inside Jailhouse Rock. Jim will be sadly missed!(News, Source: Paul Lichter, Elvis Unique)

From the Archives: Elvis with Denver Police in 1970

In My Father's House event SOLD OUT: Andrew Hearn (Essential Elvis magazine) advises: If you are attending the now SOLD OUT In My Father's House event at 1266 Dolan
Drive on August 11th, 12th and 13th, here is the (virtually) final guest list
and schedules.

Saturday, August 11th (9am until late)

9am - 9:30am: Although the doors to the house will not officially open until 2pm, we kick off with the first of our special events at 9am when we welcome the Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jnr. who will be unveiling a special plaque marking the historic importance of the property. This is an extra event, lasting for around 30 minutes, that will take place on the front lawn. The house itself will not be open until 2pm, but we hope that you’ll stop by to witness this historic unveiling.

Note: Magazine shown is pre 2012 edition

2pm - 6pm: We are very excited to welcome three special guests to launch our three day event. JoCathy Brownlee dated Elvis in 1975 and her story is simply enchanting. You’ll find a wonderfully humorous lady with an addictive Southern accent who, without doubt, uplifted Elvis’ spirits during trouble times. I can guarantee that you will love meeting JoCathy and her incredible personality will leave a lasting memory of Elvis Week 2012.

Just as glamorous is Barbara Klein Bauer, former wife of George and close Presley insider. Barbara has really done very little self promotion over the years but believe me when I say that she was one of the closest female members of the group for many years. Elvis simply adored Barbara and she has memories that will make the hairs on your neck stand up!

Maurice Elliott was a vice president and spokesman for Baptist Hospital during many of Elvis’ stays and at the time of his death in 1977. He knew Elvis, and his father, well and has some fascinating stories and recollections of the times he spent with the hospital’s famous patients. Now retired, this cool character is a proud member of the Memphis Harley Owners Group.

6pm onwards: A friend of Elvis’ since high school, Marty Lacker was employed by Elvis from roughly 1960-1967. He performed many duties for Elvis, including those of personal secretary and bookkeeper. He was co-best man at Elvis’ wedding, and he’ll be with us from 6pm. Come and enjoy his brutally honest style and get to meet an original member of Elvis’ Memphis Mafia.

We are delighted to announce that Patsy Lacker will also be joining us this evening. Patsy was around Elvis as much as Marty was and her take on things as the wife of one of Elvis’ closest friends is interesting to say the least. Patsy rarely, if ever, attends any kind of function so this really is a very special chance to meet another close insider.

Elvis and his cousin Billy Smith grew up together and were never far apart as adults. Billy and his wife Jo lived in a trailer behind Graceland. Billy helped manage Elvis’ costumes on the road in the ’70s and served as Elvis’s valet at home. Without doubt, Billy was the closest to Elvis and this is your chance to get to meet a true family member.

The still-beautiful Jo Smith, wife of Billy, will be joining us to chat about her years living at Graceland, life on tour and being with Elvis as one of his most loved female companions.
An incredible day with a total of 8 guests!

Sunday, August 12th (11am until late)

11am - 11:30am: We launch a super day with an important presentation at 11am. Shelby Country Sheriff, Bill Oldham will visit the house to receive a special award to commemorate the unique appreciation and support between Elvis and the department. Also confirmed is the incredible Gene Barksdale, the last Shelby County Sheriff of Elvis’ lifetime and close Presley friend.

2pm - 6pm: We are very excited to welcome Elvis' former '50s sweetheart Barbara Hearn to our event. It's only been the last few years that fans have begun to see Barbara during Elvis Week. This incredible lady was there during Elvis breakthrough year and recalls life at Audubon Drive and concerts like the Mississippi Dairy show and Russwood Park like they were yesterday. Hear her amazing recollections and and get to enjoy her photographs during the afternoon.

6pm onwards: Although not yet confirmed 100% we are almost certain that we will be joined by sisters Elaine & Kissy Nichopoulos, daughters of Dr. Nick. I have seen people almost dismiss these ladies in order to talk to their father but now is their time to offer their memories of life playing at Graceland and specifically the last vacation to Hawaii in March 1977. They were there, and you'll get to see a completely UNRELEASED photo of them both with Elvis to prove it.

Monday, August 13th (2pm until late)

2pm - 6pm: We welcome Lou & Ron Elliott, owners of Supercycle on Bellevue Boulevard where Elvis was their most famous customer. Not only have they agreed to come and talk to us, but they will be displaying one of their famous 3-wheeled bikes, an exact replica of the model now displayed at the car museum.

All of you will remember Cricket Coulter as the famous fan with the cat from the movie Elvis - That's The Way It Is (the original version). But what some of you may not know is that Cricket got to know Elvis extremely well over the years. She attended many parties in California and in Memphis and was often at the Memphian during Elvis' private screenings. She attended many shows on the road and was a regular in Las Vegas. A fascinating person to talk to.

Sherry Williams dated Elvis at a time when he was at his peak. She began her romance with the King after being introduced through a mutual friend on her 18th birthday in 1970. She will be joining us from 2pm to tell you girls just what it was like to date Elvis Presley!

Can you imagine what it would have been like to have Elvis Presley as a big brother figure in your life? Billy Stanley doesn't have to imagine as he became Elvis' stepbrother when his mother married Vernon Presley in 1960. Billy actually grew up in the house in which we are staging the event and so his time there will be very special. (News, Source: Andrew Hearn, Essential Elvis Magazine)

(New book release) Elvis And Paige – The Palm Springs Hycodan Cough Syrup Tale: Controversial author, Darrin Lee, has released his latest book. Elvis And Paige – The Palm Springs Hycodan Cough Syrup Tale features the previously unpublished TRUTH about one of the most widely-disseminated rumours told to discredit "the world's greatest entertainer" & a ground-breaking humanitarian.

Written by Darrin Lee, this Amazon Kindle title represents Volume I in a powerful series from the forthcoming soft cover book titled Elvis Presley – Karma 2010: E.P., LMP And Cilla - Useful Knowledge.

6 new ways Elvis makes money 35 years later: The King is dead. Long live the King. Elvis will be 35 years past his expiration date on Aug. 16, but his name is still raking in lots of cash through weird licensing opportunities.

And fans can participate in some of them in ways that go beyond buying merchandise – although there’s plenty of that. Memphis-based Elvis Presley Enterprises, talking up Elvis Week, just announced “hundreds of new products being launched by more than 260 official licensees around the globe.”

Here are some quirky highlights…

1. Elvis slot machines - There’s “a new casino multi-level progressive jackpot slot machine…featuring a classic jukebox design, players can sing along to Elvis’ hits while they spin and win on a number of king-inspired bonuses,” EPE says.

2. Elvis comics - EPE also mentions Graphic Elvis, a book from Liquid Comics available now that “combines rare quotes, writings, photos and memorabilia with original pieces of artwork by leading international graphic novel artists.” While done in comic style, it’s not a traditional comic book: It’s a $200 hardcover anthology.

3. Elvis guitars - There’s an Elvis Kingman acoustic guitar made by Fender, with a vintage-looking wildwood body and rosewood fretboard designed to mimic Elvis’ instrument in the 1967 film Clambake. It’s selling new for $400. Talent not included.

4. Elvis fan mosaic and CD - Since May, Facebook fans of Elvis have been able to upload their photo as a contribution to an Elvis mosaic released as a $20, 24-by-30-inch color poster on June 15. The mosaic will also be used as the cover art for a new $12 CD of top Elvis picks voted on by fans.

There will also be “Elvis figurines, ornaments and waterballs from Precious Moments,” EPE says.

Then there’s the clothes. Along with T-shirts for Elvis Week, “Tommy Hilfiger will launch a limited-edition American Icon t-shirt collection this summer,” EPE says, with designs for men and women.

6. Elvis in Europe - Although EPE provides few details, its European licensing agents are apparently working on some other interesting items, including “Hello Kitty outfitted in Elvis’ signature sunglasses and classic jumpsuit,” “an Elvis-inspired 4D movie developed for attraction and ride films,” “an Elvis Triumph motorcycle,” and “a line of Elvis-inspired apparel from Benetton.”

If you’re an Elvis collector, you’ve got plenty of new fodder. It’s unlikely that the majority of these new products will increase in value. What is likely, however, is that the King will reign over retail in the afterlife for longer than he was alive. (News, Source: Brandon Ballenger, MoneyTalksNews.com)

Sunday 22 July 2012

Elvis app features Elvis' personal notes: “Graphic Elvis: The Interactive Experience,” is a new interactive digital book app from Liquid Comics, created under license from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

With a release date timed to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley around the 35th anniversary of his passing on August 16, 2012, the digital book app features for the first time, a number of Elvis’ handwritten personal notes and reflections written in the margins of his personal book collection at Graceland. Elvis fans can now download the new app for their Apple and Android devices.

The notes reveal rare insights into the inner workings of the legendary music icon, showing his deep spiritual quest and exploration of the mystical. Elvis shared his passion to seek out the deeper mysteries of life commenting, “All I want to know is the truth, to know and experience God. I'm a searcher, that's what I'm all about…"

In a section of the interactive app called “The Searcher,” readers can zoom in and explore selected pages from Elvis’s books with doodles, words, numerological notes and handwritten phrases with sayings such as:
“God loves you, but he loves you best when you sing”

“O Lord thy sky is so great and my plane is so small”

“If one can't give what they have and share then they will always be empty”

In another section of the app called “The Legend,” rare photos and memorabilia from the archives at Graceland in Memphis are showcased, including Elvis’ signed boxing gloves from Muhammad Ali; a telegram from Brian Epstein for The Beatles; a letter from Douglas Fairbanks inviting Elvis to London to perform for the royalty of England; and sketches of Elvis’ wardrobes by his longtime designer Bill Belew.

Each section of the app is inter-weaved with original artists renditions of Elvis in imagined scenarios as well as short stories and animations by acclaimed graphic novel creators, including Stan Lee (co-creator of the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man).

“If you thought you knew Elvis Presley, guess again,” stated Liquid Comics Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan. “Through this unprecedented digital book app, Elvis’ millions of fans will finally be able to see rare notes and insights into the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential cultural icons.”

Liquid Comics developed Graphic Elvis: The Interactive Experience, with mobile app developer, Pixo Entertainment. The app is now available for download across all iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android enabled devices. A free ‘lite’ version of the app features previews of various sections of the book as well as an animated short and a few pages of Elvis’s notes. The full app can be downloaded for a purchase of $9.99.

In addition to the digital app, Liquid Comics has released an exclusive slipcase, hardcover, 12” x 12” record-album sized collector’s book, Graphic Elvis. The book, which is priced at $195 and limited to only 2,500 copies worldwide, is available with limited supplies from major online retailers and at www.GraphicElvis.com.

Gospel event during Elvis Week: On Saturday morning, August 18, at 9:00 a.m. you’ll want to be at Graceland for a celebration of gospel music on the Elvis Week Main Stage presented by Elvis’ home church, Memphis First Assembly of God.

Included in the multi-media concert experience will be Soul City, which features members Bob Geabhart, Ben Kirk , Corey Riggs and David Wootton , along with many members of the award-winning First Assembly of God choir who will also be performing some of the great gospel music they present each week in services at Memphis First Assembly. First Assembly’s music program is well-known around the world and, if you have an appreciation of Christian music, this concert is certain to be one of your favorite events during Elvis Week. Along with many of the classic songs Elvis would have heard as a young man attending youth services, several selections will be performed from their album “I Will Give You Glory."

Want to hear what it was like to be a member of a church youth group with Elvis? The celebration includes short interviews with many who were and are still members of First Assembly of God Memphis today. Many who are featured in the videos have been invited to attend in person and will love to meet fans after the concert.

Book release highlight for 2013 - Elvis Presley: A Southern Life: OUP USA will release noted historian, Joel Williamson’s, Elvis Presley: A Southern Life, in March 2013. The book will be one of the highlights of 2013.

Publisher’s notes: In Elvis Presley, one of the most admired Southern historians of our time takes on one of the greatest cultural icons of all time. The result is a masterpiece: a vivid, gripping biography, set against the rich backdrop of Southern society--indeed, American society--in the second half of the twentieth century.

Author of The Crucible of Race and William Faulkner and Southern History, Joel Williamson is a renowned historian known for his matchless ability to write compelling narratives.

In this tour de force biography, he captures the drama of Presley's career and offers insights into the social upheavals following World War II.

Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley was a contradiction, flamboyant in pegged black pants with pink stripes, yet soft-spoken, respectfully courting a decent girl from church. Then he wandered into Sun Records, and everything changed.

He first went onstage in 1954. "I was scared stiff," Elvis recalled. "Everyone was hollering and I didn't know what they were hollering at." Girls did the hollering--at his snarl and swagger. Williamson calls it "the revolution of the Elvis girls." They took command, insisting on his sexually charged performances. They lived in an intense moment, this generation raised by their mothers, when men had been at war. The first Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education occurred two weeks before Elvis's first gig, turning high schools into battlegrounds of race. Explosively, white girls went wild for a white man singing a black man's songs, "wiggling" erotically.

The book illuminates the zenith of Presley's career, his period of deepest creativity, which captured a legion of fans and kept them fervently loyal throughout years of army, wine, and women. Williamson shows how Elvis himself changed--and didn't. The deferential boy with downcast eyes became the bloated, demented drug addict who, despite his success, never escaped his sense of social inferiority. He bought Graceland in part to escape the judgment of his wealthy, established neighbors. Appreciative and unsparing, musically attuned and socially revealing, Elvis Presley will deepen our understanding of the man and his times.

Note: Amazon USA and Amazon UK have the book listed but it is not yet available for pre-order.

Stamps’ bass singer to release memoir: Richard Sterban’s memoir, "From Elvis to Elvira. My life on stage" will be released in the next few months. It can be ordered from the Oak Ridge Boys website. (News, Source: Jorge Rodriguez)

'Prince From Another Planet' New MSG Legacy Release: Fantastic news with ElvisMemories announcing the release of a special Madison Square Garden Legacy Release including a special DVD. "Recorded at Madison Square Garden: 40th Anniversary Edition"
Elvis was the first artist to sell out four straight shows at Madison Square Garden.
It was also Elvis' first-ever live appearance in New York, except for performing on TV shows in 1956-57.
John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Paul Simon and many other celebrities were said to have attended. And now we get a chance to relive these fantastic concerts and they should be seen & heard.2 CDs + DVD + 48-page booklet with many unpublished photos. Also includes liner notes by guitarist Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group), about the June 10, 1972 afternoon show that he saw as a young writer for the Rolling Stone magazine.DISC 1 & 2: Afternoon and Evening Concerts from June 10, 1972. Remixed by Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer, etc).DVD: A 40 minute DVD with previously-unreleased material!

This includes the historic Madison Square Garden Press Conference, plus the first time EVER official release of Elvis' live performance from the shows.
The German Elvis Memories notes that while the U.S. version will be released on October 2, 2012, the boxset will be issued in Germany on September 28.(News, Source;ElvisMemories/JohnnyVanDerGeld/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Sony Music Panel Discussion & M.S.Garden footage at Elvis Week: Fans can find out more about upcoming releases from John Jackson, Vice President of A&R and Content Development for Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, and Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon, record producers for Sony and the team responsible for the Follow That Dream Record label. In anticipation of the upcoming release of “Prince From Another Planet,” included will be a screening of the never-before-seen footage from Elvis’ performance in Madison Square Garden in June 1972. The panel will also include more about the “I am an Elvis Fan” release, upcoming FTD projects and a chance to get answers to your questions about Elvis’ music. FREE to attend.
Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012Go HERE to EPE's Elvis Week 2012 schedule of Events

We're back with a sensational 21 new fabulous Elvis clips. Starting with a great version of 'Trouble' Live at Aloha!, brilliant On Tour version of 'Proud Mary' and the 'A Little Less Conversation' 68 ComeBack version. We also have an emotional 'Pieces of My Life', a hilarious 5 minutes of kissing to 'Kiss Me Quick', 1956's 'We're Gonna Move' in color and stereo, the delightful 'It Is No Secret', the Las Vegas Dinner Show Dec 4 1976, the Houston Astrodome Press Conference and lots more... As EIN always says "Catch them now before they get taken away" ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source:EIN)

More Elvis Awards Update: EIN contributor Brian Quinn notes... The Awards were announced by the RIAA months ago and they were added to the EPE Website under 'Elvis' Gold and Platinum Record' List. Therefore, even with these Awards, Elvis' album tally remains the same at 134.5 million. All SONY had to do was 'ship' around 9,000 copies of 'Christmas Duets' and around 23,000 of 'An Afternoon In The Garden' and Elvis would have had two new GOLD Album Awards. What SONY are doing is presenting the physical awards to EPE but they will not be able to claim any increase in Elvis' RIAA album tally this time around. Don't get me wrong, its still nice for EPE to have these Awards and they should make a fine display at Graceland. Just a missed opportunity by SONY.
Further, the EPE Press Release see below has duplicated Elvis' Christmas Album' (1970 Version) stating one has been awarded Diamond and the other 10 X MP. Therefore there will only by 9 Awards. EPE are in the process of changing their entry.(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInformation Network)

NOW UPDATED - 'The Elvis Files Vol. 5 1969-70' Book Review: While the 1968 TV Special was an amazing comeback, Elvis’ return to the very top of his profession would never have happened without the Memphis 1969 recording sessions along with the live performances that followed. Let’s face it, Elvis’ amazing legacy was only sealed in gold by these two all-important years. 'The Elvis Files Vol. 5' contains over 1,500 stunning photos in its 580 pages all from the fabulous return-to-splendour years of 1969 -1970.
It includes every public ELVIS event in his life from 1969 to 1970, every Working Moment, with hundreds of newly discovered photos.

Sometimes a series of Elvis books can disappoint with one magnificent volume being let down by a poor follow-up but so far The Elvis Files have proved the opposite with every volume actually being better than its brilliant predecessor. No other series of Elvis photo-books comes close.

“Elvis” Art Show & Sale At Elvis Week : There is an “Elvis” Art Show & Sale happpening in Memphis over Elvis Week. From July 25th ­ Aug 31st and featuring Betty Harper, Peter Mars and Stephen Fishwick. Betty Harper, Internationally renowned Elvis artist from Nashville, TN will be making a special appearance at Thomas Kinkade Inspiration Art Gallery Saturday, August 11th, from 2:00 - 4:00pm. A large collection of Originals and giclee prints are on display and available for purchase from July 25th through August 31st. Betty will meet and greet art lovers and Elvis fans, as well as personalize any pieces purchased for this event. Peter Mars, a leader of the Pop Art movement for the last 20 years, and Stephen Fishwick, founder of Paint in Motion, a live performance art form, will have their collections of “Elvis” artwork on display at Inspiration Art Gallery during the month of August as well. Located in the Wolfchase Galleria, is excited to be hosting the works of these nationally acclaimed artists. Inspiration Art Gallery, one of the Mid­South’s premiere art galleries, Memphis, TN
For more information call the gallery at 901-257-1212Go HERE for more info.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

These certifications are based on current standards: 500,000 copies for a gold single or album and 1 million copies for a platinum single or album. Over a hundred Elvis albums, singles, and extended-plays have received gold, platinum or multi-platinum designations from RIAA. They will be presented during Elvis Week 2012 on August 15 at 5:30 p.m. inside the Elvis Week Main Stage tent. This event is free to all guests.(News, Source;EPE)

'From Elvis In Vegas' new Import CD: Out this month will be "From Elvis In Vegas" from the new label CONVAIR. We can expect a rare recording of a great live performance Elvis did at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel on March 30, 1975 (Midnight Show).Recorded by a fan in the audience this release is for the collectors. Accompanied by a 20 page booklet telling interesting facts about Elvis´ March/April 1975 engagement in words and pictures it´s a very nice collectors-package. Go and get it while you can – this release is limited to 300 copies only. Dig that setlist – Elvis put on a great show, doing a lot of great songs!FTD release a soundboard 'Big Boss Man' from this rather good Vegas season back in 2005. In it they included five songs from the March 31st Midnight show. (look here)Tracklisting:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C. C. Rider 03. I Got A Woman / Amen 04. Love Me 05. Elvis talks 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 07. And I Love You So 08. Big Boss Man 09. It's Midnight 10. Burning Love 11. Band Introductions 12. What'd I Say (James Burton) 13. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 14. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) 15. Piano Solo (Glen D Hardin) 16. Electric

Elvis Surprise Find: A UK pensioner who bought a bag in a charity shop for £20 has discovered his purchase could now be worth £350,000.
John Richards bought the brown bag, which features a distinctive Elvis Presley design by Andy Warhol, from the Kingston branch of Oxfam in February. The 73-year-old was stunned to later discover it was actually one of just ten made by Irish designer Philip Treacy.
He told the Ham & High: "I bought it but then only looked at it again a couple of months later. I decided to take it to the Philip Treacy shop and they confirmed it was one of theirs."
Richards has already had interest from two private collectors in China, who have variously offered £250,000 and £350,000.
Gee Brunet, manager of Philip Treacy, London, said: "It’s definitely one of our originals. I was surprised he found it in a charity shop. It could reach £350,000 — it’s a piece of art, not a bag."(News, Source;TabloidsUK)

Monday 16 July 2012

'The Elvis Files Vol. 5 1969-70' Book Review: While the 1968 TV Special was an amazing comeback, Elvis’ return to the very top of his profession would never have happened without the Memphis 1969 recording sessions along with the live performances that followed. Let’s face it, Elvis’ amazing legacy was only sealed in gold by these two all-important years. 'The Elvis Files Vol. 5' contains over 1,500 stunning photos in its 580 pages all from the fabulous return-to-splendour years of 1969 -1970.
It includes every public ELVIS event in his life from 1969 to 1970, every Working Moment, with hundreds of newly discovered photos.

There is no doubt that this is a labour of love for Norwegian Erik Lorentzen, author and long time Elvis fan, who has found a ton of images and information never before published. Sometimes a series of Elvis books can disappoint with one magnificent volume being let down by a poor follow-up but so far The Elvis Files have proved the opposite with every volume actually being better than its brilliant predecessor. No other series of Elvis photo-books comes close.

Brand New Elvis Recording found!: Don't miss out on the weekend news (see below). An incredible out-of-the-blue youtube of Elvis singing 'I Forgot To Remember To Forget' Live on the Louisiana Hayride radio show has all Elvis fans gobsmacked! - CLICK HERE TO LISTEN. (was removed, but is now back). Ernst Jorgensen is in discussions with the owner about an official future release.

Newly UPDATED - 'From Hawaii to Las Vegas' CD Review: 'From Hawaii To Las Vegas’ is from a previously unreleased cassette recording of Elvis’ January 25 1973 dress rehearsal for his January/February Las Vegas Hilton season.
The rough audio quality is more than compensated for by the fascinating insight into how Elvis worked in order to create his shows. With little talk, and a lot of music, we are invited to a first row presentation of what Elvis had in mind, and yet he decided to change the repertoire the next day. Among the many songs is "Separate Ways" a song that Elvis chose to never perform in public - as well as a stunning "Steamroller Blues" and the fabulously rare 'I’m Leavin’ It All Up To You'

Elvis' Smith & Wesson For Sale: An ornately decorated Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum Revolver purchased by Elvis in 1970 is now up for sale for around 275 thousand dollars.
The gun, which is being offered by online memorabilia dealer Moments in Time, has gold and silver inlaid scroll and leaf decoration and features the figures of a bobcat, a mountain lion, a puma and other animals. It comes with a leather case engraved with the name "Elvis."Reportedly, Presley once gave the weapon to then-Vice President Spiro Agnew as a gift but it was returned when Agnew was under investigation for extortion in 1974.
The pistol comes with a custom-made leather zipper case with Elvis's name tooled on it. Also, the original Firearms investigation report and Registration Paper showing the Serial Number and signature of Elvis A. Presley from the Beverly Hills Police Department are part of the provenance with this pistol.
There are 4 photos of Elvis with the gun. There are numerous articles in several books regarding Elvis giving the pistol to Vice-President Spiro Agnew on December 01, 1970. The pistol has tremendous historical value due to the fact it was given as a gift to Vice-President Spiro Agnew. Vice-President Agnew returned the pistol to Elvis because he was under investigation for wrongful acts. The provenance is as good as it can get. The pistol was later given to the Sheriff of Shelby County, Sheriff Gene Barksdale. The value of this artifact is almost priceless. Click here for more details and to buy! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ a rare star session: On December 4, 1956, rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins gathered for what turned into an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in Memphis.
The legendary event, dubbed the "Million Dollar Quartet," was one that likely wouldn’t be possible today, says the co-author Colin Escott of the stage musical now playing in Canada.
"You’d like to think so but these days it seems like superstar jam sessions are usually midwifed by lawyers and managers and accountants and record label guys, you know?" music journalist Colin Escott mused in a recent telephone interview from Tennessee.
"The idea of stars coming together just for the pleasure of making music instead of it being, like, a media-streamed event, that seems to happen less and less and less these days."
The show, in which the stars also sing and play instruments, details how the four young musicians united that evening for the only time in their careers at Sun Records’ storefront studio.Escott said it all began when Perkins, the rockabilly artist behind the

hit "Blue Suede Shoes," went to Sun studios for a recording session. Record executive Sam Phillips invited Lewis, who had just arrived in Memphis, to come in as a pianist on the project.
Presley, who had left Sun about a year earlier, was back in Memphis after a trip to Hollywood and decided to drop in to see Phillips. When he realized there was a recording session going on, he called Cash’s house and asked him to pop over.
Phillips, seeing much potential in the gathering, then called his pal at the Memphis Press-Scimitar and told him to come over with a photographer.
"It just seemed to encapsulate so much about what made that early rock ‘n’ roll so special," said Escott, who wrote a sidebar about the jam session in the book "Good Rockin’ Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll.""It was the young guys kind of making it up as they went along, drawing on this pool of shared love of gospel music and blues and country music and pop, and just completely, unselfconsciously making something completely new out of it."
The foursome jammed on about 27 tunes together using just one microphone, which may explain why Cash’s voice isn’t heard on the recordings, said Escott.
Lewis played most of the piano and though Presley took nearly all of the lead vocals, "Elvis just wanted to be seen as just one of the guys" during the session, said Escott.
"He didn’t want to be the king, he just wanted to hang with these guys," he explained, noting Presley, Cash and Perkins had toured Mississippi together about a year earlier."Elvis just wanted to, I guess it was kind of like being back home on safe ground for him, you know, he’d been brutalized by the northern media and here he was among friends back home, as it were."
The England-raised Escott co-wrote "Million Dollar Quartet" with "American Hot Wax" film director Floyd Mutrux.
Broadway patrons have included W.S. (Fluke) Holland, who was the drummer for on the "Million Dollar Quartet" recordings."He and Jerry Lee Lewis might be the only ones left alive," said Escott.
"And he came backstage and said: ‘Boys, I’ve just got one problem — we weren’t that good.’"‘Million Dollar Quartet’ is in Toronto, Canada July 10 - 29 - Click here for tickets.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Saturday 14 July 2012

Brand New Elvis Recording found!: An incredible out-of-the-blue youtube of Elvis singing 'I Forgot To Remember To Forget' Live on the Louisiana Hayride radio show has all Elvis fans gobsmacked! - CLICK HERE TO LISTEN. (was removed, but is now back)

An INCREDIBLE find and in BEAUTIFUL quality. This is discovering pure Elvis gold.
Recorded on an early silvertone "wire" recording machine we initially hear Buzz Busby and the Bayou Boys before Horace Logan introduces Elvis, Scotty and Bill and their "modern-day type" new single, 'I Forgot To Remember To Forget' .

It has to be from either October 1, 1955(picture right) which was 6 weeks after the release of Elvis' Sun single # 223 or perhaps October 29th.

No one, not even Ernst Jorgensen had heard of this undiscovered gold until yesterday.

Elvis Fans new Fundraising for USS Arizona Memorial: EPE and Pacific Historic Parks have announced a joint effort to help raise funds for the refurbishment of the USS Arizona Memorial.
Dedicated on Memorial Day 1962, the structure is one of the world's foremost architectural icons of remembrance and one that had special significance for Elvis Presley. On March 25, 1961, at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena, Presley performed a historic benefit concert that raised over $64,000 for the building of the Memorial.
Over the years, due to the natural exposure to weather, salt water spray and foot traffic of more than 50 million visitors, the Memorial is in need of an extensive restoration.The restoration project has been designated as the spotlight non-profit for the Elvis Presley Fan Club President’s Event in Memphis on August 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elvis Week Main Stage at Graceland. Elvis fan club presidents, officers and members, who are gathered from around the world for the 35th Anniversary celebration of his life and legacy, will hear more about the Memorial and refurbishment from special guest, Brad Wallis, President and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks.
The bi-annual Elvis Fan Club Presidents’ Event is an opportunity for Elvis fans gathered in Memphis to hear about the latest Elvis and Graceland-related initiatives, products, services and releases from the EPE leadership team. The event also focuses on the fund raising efforts of Elvis Presley fan clubs and includes a segment for charity check presentations.

This Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ event will also will feature a special guest segment with TCB Band members James Burton and Glen Hardin, plus Elvis’ musical director and conductor Joe Guercio.
Special events and Elvis exhibits are also being planned at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center when Elvis fans gather in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 10 – 15, 2013 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of “Aloha from Hawaii.”(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

Friday 13 July 2012

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE 'Elvis By Request' Australia "Best Of" CD: Don’t forget to keep voting for your favorite Elvis song for this special Australian 40 track compilation.
Unlike the international single CD 'I Am An Elvis Fan', Australians are able to select their favourites to be included on the 40 track set from every Elvis Master.The voting promotion is until end of TODAY Friday July 13.Pre-order the CD online before July 13 and your name will be included with other Australian fans on an exclusive fan edition poster – included with the CD.TOP TEN voted so far...

An American Trilogy
If I Can Dream
Suspicious Minds
Always on My Mind
Can't Help Falling in Love

'From Memphis To Hollywood' FTD book preview: Although the publication has been delayed, here is a marvellous YouTube preview of this fabulous looking book.

Written by David English the book takes Elvis from Memphis back to the movie making business in Hollywood, and the actual production of G.I. BLUES. As with its predecessor, the book is filled to the brim with great, rare and informative photos and documents.

'The Elvis Files Vol 1 1953-1956' Preview: Not due out until December 2012, Erik Lorentzen is already finalising pages for his mammoth book on Elvis from 1953-1956.

Right is the book cover while below are a few preview pages.

Tomorrow EIN gives you a detailed review of the brand new Elvis Files 1969-70 with -plenty of stunning pictures.

(News, Source;EL/ElvisFiles/ElvisInfoNet)

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Tupelo 35 anniversary Celebrations: 2012 marks the 35 anniversary of Elvis' death. To commemorate, Tupelo is unveiling a larger-than-life statue of the 1956 Roger Marshutz photo known as "The Hands." The statue will be unveiled during Tupelo's free music concert series on August 9th.
Tupelo is filled with Elvis memories and milestones, from Tupelo Hardware, where Elvis got his first guitar, to the Elvis exhibit at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. The star of Tupelo’s Elvis tour is the Elvis Birthplace Museum, which includes the tiny home where Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935. You’ll also find the church Elvis attended and a museum filled with memorabilia and information about the star’s life. Tupelo is also planning some special events to mark the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ death this August. A free summer concert series will be held, and a new statue based on an iconic photograph of Elvis by Roger Marshutz

will be unveiled to honor the town’s most famous son.Tupelo has a new birthplace on-line site soon to be unveiled. Stay tuned for details.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Priscilla Presley to Make Guest Appearance at Elvis Week Main Stage: EPE is happy to announce Priscilla Presley will make a special appearance at Conversations on Elvis- Behind the Camera on August 15, 2012, at the Elvis Week Main Stage at Graceland at 10:00 a.m. Host, Tom Brown, will interview Presley about her efforts to open Graceland to the public 30 years ago and other topics of interest to fans gathered in Memphis for Elvis Week 2012.
Additional guests for this session will include photographers who photographed Elvis over the years including Alfred Wertheimer, who in 1956 was assigned to photograph a 21-year-old singer who RCA was promoting by the name of Elvis Presley, along with Barbara Gray, who can be seen kissing Elvis in one of Wertheimer's famous photos; Dave Darnell, who photographed Elvis at the Ten Outstanding Young Men Awards ceremony as well as around Memphis as a staff photographer for The Commercial Appeal newspaper; and Angie Marchese, Director of the Graceland Archives, and Robert Dye, EPE Photography Manager, who

Lisa Marie Presley Backstage on Tour: Rolling Stone features a new photo gallery of Lisa Marie Presley backstage during her recent "Storm and Grace" tour.
It includes "Three Generations" as Lisa Marie Presley talks with grandmother Ann Beaulieu and mother Priscilla Presley in Los Angeles. "Playing for my family and people I know, I can feel what they’re thinking," she says.
The gallery of 20 photos captures the heiress of rock 'n' roll in her own light as she takes on her southern roots in what critics are calling the album she was born to make.
Photos range from behind the scenes while having her makeup applied to her performing onstage with her band. CLICK HERE to the article & Photos. Go HERE to EIN's review of Lisa Marie's new album "Storm and Grace". Her best yet.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Monday 9 July 2012 - - 2nd News Update -

'From Hawaii to Las Vegas' CD Review: 'From Hawaii To Las Vegas’ is from a previously unreleased cassette recording of
Elvis’ January 25 1973 dress rehearsal for his January/February Las Vegas Hilton
season.
The rough audio quality is more than compensated for by the fascinating insight into how Elvis worked in order to create his shows. With little talk, and a lot of music, we are invited to a first row presentation of what Elvis had in mind, and yet he decided to change the repertoire the next day.

Among the many songs is "Separate Ways" a song that Elvis chose to never perform in public - as well as a stunning "Steamroller Blues" and the fabulously rare 'I’m Leavin’ It All Up To You'

Elvis Hologram unlikely for Elvis Week 2012: You’ve heard about plans for an Elvis hologram or digital image being developed.
The June 6 press release said, "The companies have already begun work on the virtual Elvis Presley likeness and will announce when and where audiences can expect to see the first virtual Elvis performances," the release reads.However Lisa Marie Presley told Rolling Stone this week that the plans are much more tentative than the press release indicates.
"If we want to do it, we’ve got the rights to do it, is basically all that’s happened," she told Rolling Stone. "There’s been nothing set, no prototypes. There’s nothing in the works at the moment."
Jack Soden the president and CEO of EPE remains in the position he’s held for more than 20 years. EPE is now a division of CORE Media Group Inc. based in Memphis with an additional office in Los Angeles.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

ELVIS Unreleased Super8 1975 Footage on Ebay: 22 minutes of unseen Elvis footage from Cleveland Ohio, July 18th 1975 for sale for $7,500. Filmed by an audience member, never released or seen before. This is the original super 8mm footage. Never before released or copied. No other versions of this footage exist anywhere. Add this original super 8mm footage to your collection. There is no sound - this is silent footage. And the captures of the footage although nice - do NOT do the footage justice. It is clear sharp and a great document of this great concert. There has already been an offer of $6500 before it was listed which was turned down. You can pay crazy money for Elvis memorabilia. But this is worth every cent of the asking price. 7 sample frames do not / cannot show the quality this superb footage. CLICK HERE to Ebay to see more.(News, Source:Ebay/ElvisInfoNet)

Riley Keough New Film: What made Riley Keough popular is because of her smoldering blue eyes that distinctly look like her grandfather Elvis Presley. This former model and the eldest granddaughter of the late singer have been visibly seen on the big screen nowadays. From her first featured film, "The Runaways" to her recent hit movie, "Magic Mike", you can be sure that this young actress can go a long way in this industry. She has the talent and the looks (not to mention the family) in order to make it big in Hollywood. This is why it is no surprise to find her star in an upcoming film "Jack and Diane".
She plays the character of Jack, a lesbian werewolf, and had an intense relationship with the character of Diane, played by the fabulous Juno Temple. Another famous celebrity staring in this film is Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue, where she plays a tattoo parlour owner who had a chance meeting with Jack.
Riley Keough's other films include "The Good Doctor" alongside Orlando Bloom and is now filming "Mad Max: Fury Road" with Charlize Theron & Tom Hardy.

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Brooklyn Elvis impersonator rocks new season ‘Hoarding: Buried Alive’: The fourth season of TLC’s "Hoarding: Buried Alive" kicks off Sunday with a subject who’s about to be all shook up — an Elvis impersonator.
While 51-year-old Cary’s apartment is crammed with familiar stuff that hoarders build up, it’s also a trash-filled tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
"About 70% of the apartment is filled, and I mean filled, with Elvis memorabilia," Stacks of newspapers pile up on the floors. Clippings and pictures of Elvis plaster the walls.
"He has one full room that is filled with newspapers and magazines," Josel says. "So anytime that Elvis has been mentioned in any type of periodical, he has saved not only that copy, but multiple copies of it.""He has books, albums, photographs — anything you could buy in the store that might have Elvis on it, like an Elvis clock, things like that," (EIN knows how he feels!!)

Cary dresses like his idol and performs to make money. When he feels anxious about the state of his apartment, singing Elvis songs helps calm him down.
"When I’m dressed up as Elvis, I feel like Superman," Cary says in the show. "I feel invincible. I feel like someone that’s special. I turn into a different person."
But when he returns to his apartment, reality sets in. "This is horrible," he admits, aware of the problem. "Look at this mess."
The episode premiers at 9pm in the US.(Odd Spot, Source;NYDailyNews)

Saturday 7 July 2012

Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert Special Details Revealed: Watch this exclusive interview with the Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert producer Stig Edgren as he talks with Elvis Radio about the many additions to the once-in-a-lifetime concert event.
Edgren says a big opening surprise, entirely new segments and featured guests, including special appearances by Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley, are just a few of the bonuses Elvis fans will get to enjoy. "For those who have seen previous anniversary concerts, I think this one will take the cake," said Edgren. "It's bigger and completely different from past shows."
Elvis returns to Memphis for this spectacular show on August 16, 2012 at the FedExForum. Accompanied by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him and members of the Memphis

Details about Elvis Week 2012 Main Stage: EPE have also announced full details and schedule of the 20 Elvis-themed entertainment events presented at Graceland. The 2012 Elvis Week Main Stage is a large 1,200-seat air-conditioned pavilion that will feature over 15,000 square feet of carpeted space with a stage, large dance floor and state-of-the-art audio and video.
The Elvis Week Main Stage will be located in the parking lot located behind Elvis’ custom jets and the open-air pavilion at Graceland, just a short walk from the Graceland Ticket Pavilion.Click HERE to EPE's Main Stage schedule and map. (News, Source:EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

Updated 'A Boy From Tupelo' FTD Book Previews: Elvis dealers are asking for final orders for the new deluxe book - FTD are finalising numbers with their distributors. So make sure
you get your order in if you don’t want to miss out on this long-awaited Ernst
Jorgensen SUN project.
EIN now features 10 sample pages from the new FTD book. Partly supplied by Cristioto on FECC it is possible that these are pre-proofreading.
The preview pages feature plenty of previously unreleased photos, with most of them supplied by the fans who are actually in the photos with Elvis.
No wonder Ernst spent so long tracking down these rare photos - and producing the book.

New "June" FTD Releases OUT NOW: The following FTD releases are out now and at your local Elvis dealer.'G.I. Blues Vol.1' Classic Album – The long-awaited first volume of G.I. BLUES material in the classic album series. As always in a 7" inch digi pack format with booklet. However like the ‘Jailhouse Rock Classic album’ the first volume will be without the In-and-Outtakes section, which will be featured in Volume 2 and will summarize all the G.I. Blues recordings.

‘From Hawaii To Las Vegas’ (Unreleased 1973 Rehearsal)- The new 5" digi pack release ‘From Hawaii To Las Vegas’ is from a previously unreleased cassette recording of Elvis’ January 25 1973 dress rehearsal for his January/February Las Vegas Hilton season. The rough audio quality is more than compensated by the fascinating insight into how Elvis worked in order to create his shows.

With little talk, and a lot of music, we are invited to a first row presentation of what Elvis had in mind, and yet he decided to change the repertoire the next day. Among the many songs is "Separate Ways" – rehearsed with and without the orchestra - a song that Elvis chose to never perform in public. This will be a fabulous collectors’ release.
The one track ‘I'm Leavin' It All Up To You’ was previously released on the FTD ‘Stage Rehearsal’ and was one of the best tracks on that compilation. The audio quality was pretty good as we noted in our review "Elvis tries it out in rehearsal and it’s another spontaneous Elvis moment, luckily captured in pretty good sound – the best quality bonus track here."

Andy Griffith Dies: Beloved US actor Andy Griffith, 86, died last Tuesday at his home on North Carolina's Ronoke Island. He was most famous for "The Andy Griffith Show" which quickly became one of the decade's most popular shows and made Griffith one of television's most beloved stars.
A former North Carolina high school music teacher, Griffith launched his career as an entertainer in the early 1950s by writing and performing comic monologues for civic clubs that he delivered in an exaggerated Southern drawl.
His portrayal of Sheriff Andy Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show," which aired on CBS from 1960 to 1968, gave him a place in television history as one of the medium's most memorable characters and he scored a second triumph on series television starring in "Matlock," the legal drama that ran from 1986 to 1995 on NBC and ABC.

Andy Griffith was on the same bill as Elvis Presley at the July 31 1955 Tampa, Florida show - and Griffith also featured in the Range Roundup comedic sketch with Elvis on the 1956 Steve Allen Show.

(Thanks to Elvis Matters for the Steve Allen image)

(News, Source:LATimes/ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Elvis By Request' Australia "Best Of" CD: Don’t forget to keep voting for your favorite Elvis song for this special Australian 40 track compilation.
Unlike the international single CD 'I Am An Elvis Fan', Australians are able to select their favourites to be included on the 40 track set from every Elvis Master.The voting promotion is from June 4 until next Friday July 13.Pre-order the CD online before July 13 and your name will be included with other Australian fans on an exclusive fan edition poster – included with the CD.
Fans outside Australia may order the CD unfortunately only residents of Australia will receive the exclusive poster.CD costs only $22 from Sanity on line - Click HERE

'Unedited Masters; Nashville 1971' New Import CD: OUT NOW from Venus is the next volume of Unedited Masters, "Nashville 1971". This time you’ll be treated to 22 tracks you’ve never heard that way before. All tracks are mastered and mixed completely different to what you know, you’ll hear them in their full length and (as usual) the sound quality is flabbergasting.
As with the previous volumes, you’ll again have the opportunity to hear Elvis at his best. Gone are the awful disproportional overdubs and gone is the muffled sound. All that remains is Elvis and his musicians having a ball in the studio, recording some great songs. The greatest surprise must be "Amazing Grace" (take 2). Yes, we know that it has been released before. So we urge you to listen to that version first and then listen to our "blues version", wanna bet you won’t believe this is the same take? We are very proud we can present this version to you, but we feel it’s a shame it hasn’t been released decades ago!
So get ready for some big surprises and don’t spoil it for yourself by

Latest Billboard Album Charts & Sales: The following appeared on the Billboard Catalog Album Charts (w/e 14th July, 2012):'Heart And Soul' selling some 1614 copies. Total sales to date: 567,860 copies.'Elvis: The Very Best Of Love' selling some 1556 copies. Total sales to date: 279,068 copies.'The Essential Elvis' selling some 1545 copies. Total sales to date: 453,538 copies. It is a double album and therefore under RIAA rules qualifies for double sales - so for their purposes it has sold 907,076 copies.'An Afternoon In The Garden' selling some 1321 copies. Total sales to date: 475,689 copies.'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1224 copies. Total sales to date: 117,333 copies.

(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)

'Summertime '73' New Import CD: The Touchdown import label announced the release of 'Summertime '73' containing the audience recorded afternoon show from Nashville on July 1, 1973. EIN notes that this has been previously released from a poor audience recording on 'An Afternoon In Nashville', the flyer indicates that it is a 'much 'much better sound than before".Tracklisting: Also Sprach Zarathustra, See See Rider, I Got A Woman / Amen, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Steamroller Blues, You Gave Me A Mountain, Love Me, Blue Suede Shoes, Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Mama Don't Dance / Shake, Rattle And Roll / Jailhouse Rock / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, I'm Leavin', How Great Thou Art, Hound Dog, Fever, Something, Faded Love, What Now My Love, Suspicious Minds, Band Introductions, I´ll Remember You, I Can't Stop Loving You, An American Trilogy , A Big Hunk O' Love, Love Me Tender, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp

'Blue Hawaii - The Expanded Alternate Album' Review: Can there really be any officially unreleased Blue Hawaii material still worth adding to your collection? This new MRS look at Blue Hawaii features an expanded edition of the original soundtrack album as a book/CD combo.
It contains many previously unreleased out-takes and alternate versions of the soundtrack recording, including several new versions of the classic ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’.
As a bonus, the CD is accompanied by a 40 page book containing many rare and unpublished photographs taken on and off the set of ‘Blue Hawaii’.

‘WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES’ New book Out Soon: The forthcoming photo-book "Elvis: Walk A Mile In My Shoes" is now nearing publication, and is projected to be out in late July 2012. This hardback A4-size publication will contain close to 300 rare and unpublished photographs, some of which have been scanned from the original negatives. Many of the photographs are printed full-size, and in A4 size you will really appreciate many of the finer details.
Some of the highlights include: *A sensational series of live shots of Elvis at the Forum on November 14, 1970. Most of these are unpublished anywhere and really capture the essence of Elvis as a live performer. Many dynamic, dramatic action shots… You will love these.
* A great series of unpublished shots from Elvis’ concert in Greensboro on March 14, 1974. A little older and a bit heavier, but still having a great time on stage and delivering the goods. Elvis’ shows were uniformly great in March ’74, but decent quality live photo series have been a little thin on the ground, so this series is most welcome for the true fan & collector.* Several great shots from Elvis’ March 1, 1970 press conference (the rarer one of the two Astrodome interviews). Again, unpublished, with Elvis looking ultra-cool; with cigar in his hands, he looks for all the world like a character from one of those 70s crime movies! There’s also unpublished shots from the other ‘70s press conferences, great close up shots with remarkable detail – you can virtually count his eye lashes in these pix.* A rare series of COLOR shots from Miami ’56, printed full page for optimal effect.

There’s much, much more, way too much to detail it all here. If you know our previous photo-books (Images 1 + 2), then you will know what to expect, only this one’s even better. We know that many fans have expressed concern about the high price of Elvis books of late, so we are pleased to report that this book is very affordable.The price is only 29,95 Euros (+P&P) if ordered from Elvis For Everyone, email elvisforeveryone@zonnet.nlNote that these stunning photos are genuinely new and do not feature in the recent ‘Elvis Files 69-70’ book.(News, Source; EFE/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis Presley’s Gold Piano for Sale: Elvis Presley’s 24-karat gold-leafed grand piano, currently on loan to the Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame, is now up for sale. Luxury website 'JetSet' are offering it for sale for $3.5 Million and an extremely lucky Elvis fan may find themselves qualified to become the proud owner of this one-of-a-kind golden national treasure.Click here for JetSet Offer - if you have a spare million or two!
Meanwhile Elvis Express has been contacted by the 148 Investment Group offering it for sale for $3.8 Million. Their letter says, Elvis' piano was bought 21 years ago by 148 investment for the sum of US$2 million & moved for display into the Nashville Music Hall of Fame.
Priscilla had this piano gold leafed for Elvis as an anniversary surprise back in 1968. Winner will be able to review "Chain of Provenance" after winning this item.
You will own the biggest piece of rock n roll history, a 24KT Gold leaf

kimbal grand piano, a 24KT gold leaf bench seat and to top this history of right the winner will receive "Hand written, unproduced/unpublished music written by ELVIS himself".
Intriguingly in 1995 EPE and The 148 Investment Group ended up in the United States Court of Appeals disputing payments for the piano.EPE lost the appeal, click here if you are interested.(News, Source;ElvisExpress/ElvisInfoNetwork)

'THE ELVIS LEGACY CONCERT' in Melbourne Australia: Featuring three of Melbourne's Acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artists, Silas Lulic, Sean Spiteri Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Melbourne 2012 WINNER and Marcus Jackson, accompanied by Melbourne's Sensation Showgirls. FRIDAY 3RD AUGUST 2012
'The Elvis Legacy Concert' taking you through the Best Years of the King.
Sean Spiteri is on his way to Memphis Tennessee in August to compete in the ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’ and will be representing Melbourne Australia, this is a farewell concert for Sean to wish him all the best and success in Memphis.
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the King of RocknRoll, Elvis Presley and you could be the lucky ticket WINNER of an Autographed Guitar by the three Elvis Tribute Artists.Click to Almost Elvis for full concert details.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Monday 2 July 2012

'Graceland Through The Years 1957-1977' Amazon UK Warning: EIN's friend Lee Dawson of Elvis Express in the UK posted the following warning about ordering the Deluxe BOXCAR Graceland book through Amazon. "These past few weeks, internet retail giant Amazon have been advertising the upcoming general release of the ultimate Graceland book. But, if you have pre-ordered 'Elvis Presley's Graceland' from Amazon, then you may want to cancel your order and re-order from one of the Elvis dealers on the web. EER has been informed by Joseph Pirzada that to this day Amazon have yet to make any contact with him regarding buying stock for them to meet the numbers pre-ordered. With this in mind we would not want to see any fan waiting for this one to be disappointed once this is released." - Lee Dawson.

'BOOTLEG ELVIS!' book Heading to Dealers:The publicity says, People get ready…
Don’t miss the most extensive ever book on Elvis vinyl bootlegs!
Don’t miss the adventurous history of Elvis bootlegs!
Don’t miss the never before told stories from various Elvis bootleggers! And… don’t miss the Elvis bootlegs in close to 1,000 entries illustrated with more than 1,200 photos.
It’s all here in a massive 640-pages high-quality hardcover book!
It’s for you, the Elvis collector, the fan and the vinyl- and music lover!
It’s a labor of love by five diehard European Elvis collectors and scholars. And it's limited to 1,000 Copies, and heading out to your local Elvis dealer so Don't Miss Out.CLICK HERE to the Bootleg Elvis Book website for more info-And go here to EIN's interview with bootlegger Vic Colonna to understand what it is all about.
OR Click here to find your local Elvis dealer selling the book.(News, Source:BootlegElvis/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis 'On Tour' Screens at Overton Park for Elvis Week: On August 4th in anticipation of Elvis Week (Aug. 10-18), the Overton Shell — site of Presley's historic 1954 hometown concert — will present a live screening of "Elvis on Tour" the Golden Globe winning 1972 MGM documentary.

The film is featured in the second annual "Concert Film Series" at the Levitt Shell as part of the 2012 Indie Memphis Film Festival on August 4th 2012
This will be a fabulous night at a historic Elvis monument.

'SUNsational – From Sunrise to Sunset 1953-1977' New Import CD: The continuing influence of SUN Records on Elvis’ career.... a new Victrola label compilation as a companion to the FTD SUN-Box release. At first sight this may seem like yet another SUN anthology, but nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, this groundbreaking release focuses on the influence of SUN records on Elvis’ career after he left the label. This 2CD-set contains almost 80 tracks (!), and though there are a few Sun recording present to place the other recordings into their proper perspective (including a few real rarities like the SUN rehearsal of ‘How Do You Think I Feel’), the majority of tracks are from the early 60s to ’77. There’s cool bits of dialogue, home recordings, rehearsals, studio outtakes, live recordings… Highlights include a neat home recording of ‘That’s All Right’, Elvis on stage talking about his 2nd record ‘Tiger Man’, a tremendous version of ‘When It Rains, It Really Pours’, Elvis receiving a Sun album from a fan, a noisy but oh so cool ‘Mystery Train’ mastered from a near-mint 78 (and not one of those lifeless ‘remastered’ versions), and much, MUCH more, all providing a fascinating new perspective on Elvis’ career. A lot of research was done for this remarkable release, and we believe that this is an important

release and a logical companion to "A Boy From Tupelo" on FTD. This release is attractively packaged in a deluxe 2-panel digipack with a neat booklet, which contains a great essay as well as many rare photos. The Sun Elvis will never die, and this release underscores that point.Go here to EIN's 'All the Elvis CD News 2012' for FULL tracklisting.(News, Source;Victrola/ElvisInfoNet)

"The Memphis Boys" get Beale Street Honor: Marty Lacker is proud and happy to announce that The American Band aka "The Memphis Boys"(right- who played on Elvis' all-important 1969 Memphis sessions) will be honored with a Beale Street Blues Note on Beale Street in Memphis at 5:PM, August 13, 2012 during Elvis Week.
All Elvis fans are invited to the ceremony which they can attend free of charge.

In addition the band will be giving a concert on the night of August 14th across from Graceland behind where the Lisa Maria airplane is located & sponsored by EPE. Chips Moman and I plan to attend if Chips has recovered from his hip replacement surgery by then. EPE is erecting a huge temporary building that supposedly will hold 1,000 people to see the concert. - Marty Lacker

"The Perfect Elvis Presley Collection" 20 CD Boxset: Announced earlier this month the final artwork has now been published.
The box holds 20 Original Albums and is released on August 6th 2012.
The box will match the previous "Singles" box sets from 2007.Released by Sony Music CMG and priced at £48.40 or US$76

Not everyone would call this the "Perfect Elvis Collection" since no "Golden Record" albums are included and only ONE album from the fifties. The key "Comeback Special" is also notably absent.....

'Christmas Lights On A Friday Night' - New Import CD: Coming soon from the Straight Arrow label a special double cd release - Elvis' Las Vegas December 3, 1976 Dinner & Midnight Shows.
As the final month of 1976 rolled around, Elvis arrived in Las Vegas for what would be his 15th and final visit as a performer, playing 15 concerts to some very mixed press reviews. By all accounts, health and weight issues had unfortunately contributed to a lowering of the very high standards Elvis had once embraced as a live artist. Still, the fans always came, and sometimes Presley showed more than a hint of the magic that made him the greatest singer of all.
On this collection are the second and third appearances of the ten-day stand, and Elvis is in quite good form, including seasonal favorite "Blue Christmas" along with favorites like "Tryin' To Get To You", "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "America the Beautiful" and the powerhouse gospel of "How Great Thou Art". As always, his rendition of "Hurt" is thrills both audiences. It was a Friday night to for any fan to savor throughout the holiday season.

As fans have come to expect, the recordings are of very good audio quality audience tape, sourced from original master tapes recorded by British super-fan "Gemini.” The double digipak is filled with liner notes and photos from both shows that December 3rd. Again, these recordings have been carefully engineered to be presented in the best possible sound. Go here to EIN's 'All the Elvis CD News 2012' for FULL tracklisting.(News, Source;StraightArrow)

Thursday 28 June 2012

'A Boy From Tupelo' FTD Book Previews: A special treat of 8 sample pages from the new Ernst Jorgensen FTD book. Supplied by Cristioto
on FECC it is possible that these are pre-proofreading.
The preview pages feature plenty of previously unreleased photos, with most of them supplied by the fans who are actually in the photos with Elvis.
No wonder Ernst spent so long tracking down these rare photos - as shown below - and producing the book.

NOW UPDATED - 'Elvis Memphis to Madison 1977' The Gas Station Incident: Bruce Frey witnessed Elvis stopping a brawl at a Madison Gas Station in June of 1977 - thirty-five years ago this week - the very last time Elvis would be on tour.
This particular public encounter with Presley at the gas station has been written about numerous times. Bruce Frey first reported the event to the local newspapers the next day.Shirley Dieu first met Elvis and his gang back in 1975 when she attended a Las
Vegas concert. During the following 2 years Shirley regularly went on tour with
Elvis, as well as holidaying with him. On June 25th 1977 she was on tour with
Elvis when the infamous Madison Gas Station incident took place - Shirley Dieu recently
told Bruce Frey what she remembered.

Elvis tops "White Artists with Soul" Chart : To celebrate Black Music Month, Chart Watch collated a list of the biggest white artists in the history of Billboard's R&B chart. That may seem to be an odd way to celebrate Black Music Month, but it dramatizes that black music has influenced countless artists in a wide range of genres. Elvis Presley, whose hits 'That's All Right (mama)', 'Hound Dog', 'Mystery Train', 'I Feel So Bad', 'High Heel Sneakers', 'Crying In The Chapel' etc were remakes of earlier R&B hits, is the most successful white artist in the history of the R&B chart, which is now called Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Twenty-one white artists rank among the top 500 R&B hit-makers in chart history in chart researcher Joel Whitburn's indispensable book Hot R&B Songs 1942-2010. The roster includes numerous blue-eyed soul singers (George Michael, Daryl Hall & John Oates), a rap icon (Eminem), disco stars (KC & the Sunshine Band), a pop provocateur (Madonna) and funk stars - but Elvis stands out above all.(Shown right with Roy Hamilton, 1969 at the Memphis Sessions) As James Brown the God-Father of R&B and Soul noted, "I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. Last time I saw Elvis alive was at Graceland. We sang ‘Old Blind Barnabus’ together, a gospel song. I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother."The Top Five white artists who rank among the top 500 R&B hit-makers in chart history are...

1. Elvis Presley. The king of rock and roll had 24 top 10 R&B hits, from 1956's "Heartbreak Hotel" to 1963's " Devil In Disguise." Six of them, including "Hound Dog," reached #1. Blues singer Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton had a #1 R&B hit with "Hound Dog" in 1953.2. Johnny Otis. Otis amassed 17 top 10 R&B hits, from 1948's "That's Your Last Boogie," a Joe Swift hit on which Otis and his orchestra were featured, to 1958's classic "Willie And The Hand Jive." 3. Teena Marie. Marie had seven top 10 R&B hits, from 1979's "I'm A Sucker For Your Love" to 1991's "If I Were A Bell'.4 KC & the Sunshine Band. The disco group included both black and white members, but leader Harry Wayne Casey is white. They had 7 top 10 R&B hits, from 1975's "Get Down Tonight" to 1979's "Do You Wanna Go Party."5. Eminem. The rap icon, a protégé of Dr. Dre, has had three top 10 R&B hits.For the full Chart Watch article Click Here.Go HERE to EIN's updated Spotlight 'Elvis was NOT a Racist'(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNetwork)

More RIAA Awards/Presentations On The Way: Great News for Elvis fans. Executives from Sony Music will emcee a free event at the Elvis Week Main Stage on Wednesday, August 15, as they present multiple awards for releases of Elvis' music that have achieved Gold, Platinum or Diamond status based on RIAA record sales.
EIN contributor Brian Quinn reports that he expects new GOLD Awards for 'An Afternoon In The Garden' and 'Christmas Duets' plus Platinum Presentations for Elvis' first two Albums 'Elvis Presley' and 'Elvis' and the Diamond Award for 'Elvis' Christmas Album' (1970 Version). There could be more.
Should bring Elvis' total RIAA album sales tally to at least 135.5 million.

(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis Week 2012 Expected to Be Largest Ever: Elvis Week 2012 August 10-18 will be the largest ever says EPE. It features more than 25 events including concerts, a daylong music festival spotlighting young Memphis musicians, an art exhibition, movie screenings, panel discussions, autograph sessions, and sporting events.
As part of the celebration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley surrounding the 35th anniversary of his passing EPE is sharing more details about the event that has become a pop-culture phenomenon and annual pilgrimage for music lovers from around the world.DON’T MISS OUT on the much-anticipated Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert, on Thursday, August 16, at the 18,000-seat FedExForum.
As well as the TCB Band and all the regular musicians it has been confirmed that it will also feature Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley on stage. Tickets selling out fast. - GO HERE for tickets & complete concert details.

The Candlelight Vigil will begin with the traditional opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 15, at 8:30 p.m. at Graceland’s front gate. Elvis music sets the tone of the evening as fans walk up the driveway to Meditation Garden. This free event lasts throughout the night as thousands of participants gather on Elvis Presley Blvd. listening to music, remembering Elvis and enjoying the memorials that are created by fans along the street.
Now confirmed the Elvis Week Opening Event will take place at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10, with a street party hosted by the Memphis Redbirds. Attendees can enjoy live bands, a classic car show, and a special appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales. Following will be an Elvis-themed Memphis Redbirds baseball game against the

35 Years ago Today Elvis bids "Adios" for the very last time: On June 26th 1977 Elvis walked on stage at Indianapolis for the very last time.
The Indianapolis Star newspaper review stated, "Elvis performs in true Presley style before 18,000" Indianapolis once again prepared to great royalty-the hip-swivelling singer who has been called the King of rock 'n' roll since the Mid-1950s.
Elvis. His name was everywhere: on posters, buttons, souvenir books, T-shirts, hats, and homemade clothes that proclaimed with personal touches, admiration for a man idolized by millions. Elvis appeared, in a gold and white jumpsuit and white boots, bounding onstage with energy that was a relief to everyone. At 42, Elvis is still carrying around some excess baggage on his mid-section, but it didn't stop him from giving a performance in true Presley style.
His opening number, the audience-grabbing 'C.C. Rider', got the show off to a flash-bulb-popping, hand-clapping start. His 'Amen', in which he encouraged everyone to lap and sing along, seemed to bring everyone together, as did 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'I got a Woman'.
His older numbers seemed to draw more applause, although just about everything he did created mass hysteria, especially his "leg jerks".
Elvis has limited his karate movements, but the stances he takes with his guitar generated screams and shrieks from delighted fans.
Elvis coveted scarves, tossed into the audience after gracing the singer's neck, caused mad scrambles by the stage as he got rid of them just about as fast as they were put around his neck. The fans were well-behaved, considering the usual ampedes that take place at rock concerts. The packed Arena was indication enough that Elvis is still as popular as ever. Well, well, well, well!

EIN noted that, in this final concert Elvis would strangely leave out ‘My Way’ (and ‘Unchained Melody’) instead adding ’Fairytale’"It’s kinda the story of our lives". He also added rare treats, a rather cool 'Release Me', plus a seemingly spontaneous audience request for 'I Can't Stop Loving You.' Elvis also sang a very rare and poignant 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' - a song that he only performed 3 times in 1977.
Elvis thanked the audience and despite any conspiracy theory Elvis did actually state "If you want us back just let us know, and we’ll come back!"With that and a sweet ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ Elvis left the building for the very final time.Go HERE to EIN's in-depth Final Curtain Review for more(News, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Elvis Presley Crypt Pulled From Auction after Fan Uproar: Thanks to everyone who signed the online petition that Elvis Matters started against the sale of Elvis' crypt at the Julien's auction. With the effort of Elvis fan clubs all over the world Elvis Matters gathered over 10,000 fans who signed the petition - and for now the crypt will remain empty - as it should!The news made newspapers worldwide.... (see more below)
Julien's Auctions announced in May that it would sell the empty tomb at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, at its "Music Icons" auction last weekend. However Julien said that after seeing fan reaction, the company won't sell the crypt "until Forest Hills finds a plan that best suits the interests of the fans while respecting and preserving the memory of Elvis Presley."
Elvis Presley was interred there after he died on Aug 16, 1977. Two months later, Elvis and also Gladys his mother were reburied at his Graceland home. The original crypt has remained empty ever since.
Hopefully it will now stay that way.(News, Source;ElvisMatters/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Compiled by Atsushi from Elvis Sound Magazine, this is a great release aimed at Elvis collectors and scholars, which documents the first 111 releases from FTD (plus several added extras) and is published with dual Japanese-English text.

UPDATED - 'Another Saturday Night' FTD Review: Mid 1975 found Elvis back in good form and having fun on stage. Slimmed down and looking great in his new Indian Feather jump-suit Elvis seemed rejuvenated and happy to be back on stage.
As the Memphis Commercial Appeal commented … "It didn't seem to matter what Elvis sang, the audience went wild every time he moved and he made if clear he knew what was turning them on."
FTD has now released the Shreveport June 7th 1975 Evening Show - a previously UNISSUED performance, even on bootleg.
While the set-list may seem a little familiar, Elvis sure knows how to put on a crowd-pleasing show. Go here as Elvis super-fan Geoffrey McDonnell checks out whether this previously UNRELEASED concert offers anything new for Elvis collectors.... (now UPDATED with Chris Brown's story who attended this great Shreveport concert) (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

(Book Review) ELVIS in concert 1945-1977: This new large-sized release by Italian Fan Club president, Sebastiano Cecere, boasts an incredible 794 pages and as its title suggests, focuses on Elvis' "on stage" performances.

The publisher says: This book is the most detailed account that has ever appeared on the international level, the concerts of Elvis, and takes us day by day in the life of Presley the performer. (translated from Italian)

EIN recently delved deep inside this massive book. So what did we find? Does it live up to the publisher's claims?

"I AM AN ELVIS FAN" CD Song List: Over 250,000 votes were cast by fans in over 20 countries to compile the first-ever Elvis Presley fan-created albu m. The top voted songs will comprise the song list for the 21-song collection that will be available both digitally and in stores starting July 31. The cover of the release will feature the Elvis fan mosaic that was created by thousands of Elvis fan photos. Sadly there are no surprises in the tracklisting. The songs that will be featured on the album are... (News, Source: EPE/ElvisInfoNetwork) Go here to check out the CD Cover pics

Don't Be Cruel

Heartbreak Hotel

All Shook Up

Jailhouse Rock

Blue Hawaii

Viva Las Vegas

In The Ghetto

Suspicious Minds

Memories

Can't Help Falling in Love

The Wonder of You

Always On My Mind

Welcome To My World

Guitar Man

Kentucky Rain

An American Trilogy (live)

Burning Love (live)

Suspicious Minds (live)

Peace In The Valley

How Great Thou Art

If I Can Dream

UPDATED - 'Graceland Through The Years 1957-1977' Book Review:The latest release about Elvis’ Memphis mansion from Joseph Pirzada’s Boxcar label dropped into the EIN mail box last week. With considerable pre-publication hype, an impressive 450 pages and more than 1,000 visuals, did it impress EIN as an expansive top floor view or as a depressingly damp basement?

'Elvis At Madison Square Garden' FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY!: Elvis' June 1972 concerts in Madison Square Garden were a key part of his stunning career. It was on June 9th 1972, forty years ago today, that Elvis finally took on and conquered the USA's major city of New York. "He looked like a prince from another planet, narrow-eyed, with high Indian cheek bones and a smooth brown skin untouched by his 37 years.
When Elvis started to work with the mike, his right hand flailing air, his left leg moving as though it had a life of its own, time stopped, and everyone in the place was 17 again. It was a lesson in dominance; we had just seen the comic who couldn’t control anybody, not even himself, and that had got us nervous; now Elvis made it all right again."
EIN contributor Daniel Massey and Colin Escott check out this major Elvis concert at Madison Square GardenGo here to read this special EIN spotlight 40 years on!

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